The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has presented two awards to the Hallelujah Project for the restoration of the homes of composer G.F. Handel and rock music legend Jimi Hendrix.
The Hallelujah Project, which was completed with the re-opening of the Handel Hendrix House in May 2023, delivered the full restoration of Handel’s house at 25 Brook Street and added new supporting exhibitions at the former home of Jimi Hendrix in the adjoining 23 Brook Street. The project included the removal of a 20th-century shop front at Handel’s house, and the careful rebuilding of the original Georgian façade of the building.
New exhibitions, museum shop and event-catering facilities were also added, accessibility improved, and the museum’s infrastructure was upgraded to make it more sustainable and resilient.
In awarding a RIBA London Award and the London Conservation Award, the judges commended the ‘forensic research’ involved in creating an ‘exemplary conservation project’ through which Handel’s house has been ‘creatively adapted to provide it with a sustainable long-term future’.
Project architect Helena Tunbridge of Peregrine Bryant Architects said: ‘We are overjoyed that the Hallelujah Project has been recognised by the RIBA in both the London West Region and with the Conservation Award, for the project as a whole has been such a joy and a privilege to be a part of.
‘Recognition in this way is truly special and we couldn’t be prouder that those judging were able to see the hard work, conscientious nature and diligent attention to detail invested by the whole team that has enabled this Georgian house to be restored to its former grandeur; commemorating the life of two inspiring musicians and accentuating the architecture that encapsulated them so that both can be experienced and enjoyed by many in the future.’
Hallelujah project director Alex Homfray said: ‘I’m delighted that RIBA has recognised the restoration of Handel Hendrix House and has shone a spotlight on Peregrine Bryant Architects. Paul and Helena worked closely with us for five years. This was a complex project delivered at a challenging time. It demanded passion, skill and patience.’
Paul Chatham, conservation architect and director of Peregrine Bryant Architects, noted that it was only possible to deliver the project to such a high standard because of the passionate support and enthusiasm from the Handel Hendrix House team and everyone else involved including Messenger the contractor.
Director of Handel Hendrix House, Simon Daniels said: ‘We are thrilled and proud that the Hallelujah Project has received these awards from RIBA. Through their imagination and expertise, Peregrine Bryant Architects has enabled us to achieve our vision of fully re-creating Handel’s home and sharing more stories about both Handel and Hendrix with our visitors. These awards recognise the faithfulness and excellence of the restoration our visitors enjoy so much.’
